NFU Cymru urges SFS changes before 2027 window
© MAG/Anne Dunn NFU Cymru has urged the Welsh government to make further changes to the Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) before farmers face their next application decision.
President Abi Reader said there were “good, solid reasons” why thousands of businesses remained outside the SFS in its first year and warned farmers would expect improvements for 2027.
See also: Half of Welsh farmers stay with BPS over new SFS
Official figures show 8,104 farmers claimed the SFS universal layer in 2026, while 8,038 opted for the declining Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).
Speaking during a Farmers Weekly Women in Agriculture Network webinar, Ms Reader said the new Welsh government had made an encouraging start, but significant work remained on its flagship farm support policy.
“We are not many months off the next window. Where are the changes?,” said Ms Reader.
She pointed to changes around the Animal Health Improvement Cycle as a step forward, but described these as a “token gesture”, saying NFU Cymru had proposed further alternatives.
“Farmers are looking for that. They expect changes to be made,” she said.
The SFS replaced the BPS as Wales’ main agricultural support scheme from January, although farmers can remain in the BPS during the transition period to 2029.
SFS sticking points
Elements still causing problems include the habitat maintenance record (universal action 5), which NFU Cymru president Abi Reader said was particularly difficult for upland farms.
Some farms contain six or seven habitats within one area, and in some cases require different stocking densities.
“How do you manage one block of land seven different ways? It has to reflect reality,” she said.
Temporary habitat options (universal action 6) remain a sticking point for lowland farmers.
“The options are too expensive to put in. We need more options, which might not be as perfect, but are accessible and expand the shopping list,” she said.
Biannual hedge trimming (universal action 8) and the tree and hedgerow planting opportunity plan (universal action 10) also need revising, she added.
“Planting 250 trees on a small or tenanted farm is going to be a problem for some farmers,” said Ms Reader.
Pragmatic approach
Recent changes to Wales’ water quality regulations show the government is prepared to take a more pragmatic approach to agricultural policy, Ms Reader said.
She said the move provides an opportunity to demonstrate that “gentle tweaks in policy that can make farmers’ lives better can still deliver”.
However, she warned ministers against using difficulties with agricultural support elsewhere in Britain as a benchmark for the SFS.
“I will not allow this government here in Wales to say, well, you know, you could be so much worse off. That is a very low bar,” she said.
Despite her concerns, Ms Reader gave the new administration an “A minus” for its performance so far, saying its willingness to listen to farming concerns has been encouraging.
But she said farmers now need to see that approach translated into further SFS changes ahead of the next application window.
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